Editing Nord-Pas-de-Calais (section)

==History==

[[File:Lianefleuve.JPG|thumb|[[Liane (river)|Liane]] in Pas-de-Calais]]Inhabited since [[Prehistory|prehistoric]] times, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region has always been a strategic (and hence a highly fought-over) region in [[Europe]]. French President [[Charles de Gaulle]], who was born in [[Lille]], called the region a "fatal avenue" through which invading armies repeatedly passed. Over the centuries, it was conquered in turn by the [[Celts|Celtic]] [[Belgae]], the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], the Germanic [[Franks]], [[England]], the [[Spanish Netherlands|Spanish]] and [[Austrian Netherlands]], and the [[Dutch Republic]]. After the final French [[annexation]] in the early 18th century, much of the region was again occupied by [[Germany]] during the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second]] World Wars.

During the [[4th century|4th]] and [[5th century|5th centuries]], the Roman practice of [[Co-option|co-opting]] [[Germanic peoples|Germanic tribes]] to provide military and defense services along the route from [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]] to [[Cologne]] created a [[Germanic languages|Germanic]]–[[Romance languages|Romance]] [[Language border|linguistic border]] in the region that persisted until the [[8th century]]. By the [[9th century]], most inhabitants north of Lille spoke a dialect of [[Middle Dutch]], while the inhabitants to the south spoke a variety of Romance dialects. This linguistic border is still evident today in the place names of the region. Beginning in the 9th century, the linguistic border began a steady move to the north and the east. By the end of the [[13th century]], the linguistic border had shifted to the river [[Lys (river)|Lys]] in the south and [[Cap Gris-Nez]] in the west.<ref name=Ryckeboer>{{cite journal
| author=Ryckeboer, H
| journal=Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development
| year=2002
| pages=22–35
| volume=23
| issue=1
| url= http://www.multilingual-matters.net/jmmd/023/0022/jmmd0230022.pdf
| title= Dutch/Flemish in the North of France
| doi=10.1080/01434630208666452
| s2cid=144987612
}}</ref>
[[File:Cap Blanc Nez winter.jpg|thumb|Winter at [[Cap Blanc Nez]]]]
During the [[Middle Ages]], the Pas-de-Calais department comprised the [[County of Boulogne]] and the [[County of Artois]], while the Nord department was mostly made up of the southern portions of the [[County of Flanders]] and the [[County of Hainaut]]. Boulogne, Artois, and Flanders were [[Fief|fiefs]] of the French crown, while [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] and (after 1493) [[Flanders]] were within the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. [[Calais]] was an English possession from 1347 to 1558, when it was recovered by the French throne. In the [[15th century]], all of the territories, except Calais, were united under the rule of the [[Duke of Burgundy|Dukes of Burgundy]], along with other territories in northern France and areas in what is now [[Belgium]], [[Luxembourg]], and the [[Netherlands]].  With the death of the Burgundian duke [[Charles the Bold]] in 1477, the [[Boulonnais (land area)|Boulonnais]] and [[Artois]] were seized by the French crown, while Flanders and Hainaut were inherited by Charles's daughter [[Mary of Burgundy|Marie]]. Shortly thereafter, in 1492, Artois was ceded back to Marie's son [[Philip I of Castile|Philip the Handsome]], as part of an attempt to keep Philip's father, Emperor [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor|Maximilian I]], neutral in French King [[Charles VIII of France|Charles VIII]]'s prospective invasion of [[Italy]].
[[File:Douai - Vue à partir du Beffroi (06).JPG|thumb|[[Douai]]]]
Thus, most of the territories of what is now Nord-Pas-de-Calais were reunited with the Burgundian inheritance, which had passed through Marie's marriage to the [[House of Habsburg]]. These territories formed an integral part of the [[Seventeen Provinces]] of the Netherlands as they were defined during the reign of Philip's son, [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Charles V]], and passed to Charles's son, [[Philip II of Spain|Philip&nbsp;II of Spain]]. During the [[Italian Wars]], much of the conflict between France and Spain occurred in the region. When [[Eighty Years' War|the Netherlands revolted against Spanish rule]], beginning in 1566, the territories in what is now Nord-Pas-de-Calais were those most loyal to the throne and proved the base from which the [[Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma|Duke of Parma]] was able to bring the whole southern part of the Netherlands back under Spanish control. It was also a base for Spanish support of [[Catholic Church in France|French Catholics]] in the [[French Wars of Religion]].
[[File:TourbièreVredGroupe3Roselière.jpg|thumb|Bog of Vred, natural reserve]]
During the wars between France and Spain in the 17th century ([[Thirty Years' War|1635]]–[[Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659)|1659]], [[War of Devolution|1667–1668]], [[Franco-Dutch War|1672–1678]], [[Nine Years' War|1688–1697]]), these territories became the principal seat of conflict between the two states, and French control over the area was gradually established. Beginning with the annexation of Artois in 1659, most of the current [[Nord (French department)|Nord department]] territory had been acquired by the time of the [[Treaty of Nijmegen]] in 1678.  The current borders were mostly established by the time of the [[Treaty of Ryswick]] in 1697.

The area, previously divided among the French provinces of [[French Flanders|Flanders]], [[Artois]], and [[Picardy]], was divided into its two present departments following the [[French Revolution]] of 1789. Under [[Napoleon]], the French boundary was extended to include all of Flanders and present-day Belgium until the [[Congress of Vienna]] in 1815 restored the original French boundary.

During the [[19th century]], the region underwent major [[Industrial Revolution|industrialisation]] and became one of the leading industrial regions of France, second only to [[Alsace-Lorraine]]. Nord-Pas-de-Calais was barely touched by the [[Franco-Prussian War]] of 1870; the war actually helped it to cement its leading role in French industry due to the loss of [[Alsace–Lorraine|Alsace-Lorraine]] to Germany. However, it suffered catastrophic damage in the two World Wars of the [[20th century]].

=== Prehistory ===
[[File:Bonnettes03.jpg|thumb|[[Cromlech]] des Bonettes, [[Sailly-en-Ostrevent]]]]
The earliest evidence of man's presence in the region dates from the [[Pleistocene]] to the [[Middle Ages]]. Evidence of early human presence includes [[Hand axe|bifaces]] dating back to around 700,000 BC found in [[Wimereux]] and 500,000 BC in [[Quiévy]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=24}}</ref> During the Pleistocene, human activity was intermittent due to the harsh climate caused by expanding Nordic glaciers.<ref name=":02">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=25}}</ref> Occupation sites are noted from around 60,000 BC in [[Marcoing]] and 50,000–40,000 BC<ref name=":02"/> in [[Busigny]] and [[Le Hamel, Somme|Hamel]], with the first Homo sapiens identified in [[Rouvroy, Pas-de-Calais|Rouvroy]].<ref name=":12">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=26}}</ref>

After the last [[Ice age]], the region, now covered in forests, saw the emergence of [[hunter-gatherer]] societies using [[Microlith|microliths]] for hunting.<ref name=":12"/> The [[Neolithic period]] marked the beginning of agriculture and animal husbandry, influenced by the [[Cerny culture|Cerny]] and [[Michelsberg culture|Michelsberg]] cultures. Evidence of trade and tool use from outside the region highlights interactions with other areas.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|pp=27–28}}</ref> Additionally, the Neolithic era left behind [[Megalith|megalithic]] structures, such as [[Dolmen|dolmens]] and [[Menhir|menhirs]], which were likely used for religious purposes, though their exact functions remain unclear.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|p=23}}</ref>

=== ''Gallia Belgica'' and the Roman Empire ===

==== The Gallic War ====
{{Main article|Gallic Wars}}
[[File:Gaule_-56_cropped.PNG|thumb|The [[Gallic Wars|Gallic War]] in 56&nbsp;BC: After defeating the [[Atrebates]] and [[Nervii|Nervians]] at the [[battle of Sabis]], Caesar continued his conquests towards the [[North Sea]].]]
During the [[Gallic Wars|Gallic War]] in 56&nbsp;BC, [[Julius Caesar]] expanded his conquests toward the [[North Sea]] after defeating the [[Atrebates]] and [[Nervii|Nervians]] at the [[Battle of the Sabis|Battle of Sabis]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=38}}</ref> The Belgians, a collective of various tribes such as the [[Menapii|Menapiens]], [[Morina (tribe)|Morins]], [[Atrebates|Atrébates]], and [[Nervians]], had settled in the region between the [[5th century BC|5th]] and [[1st century BC|1st centuries BC]]. These tribes, described by [[Julius Caesar|Caesar]], were not homogeneous and occupied different parts of the land. Settlements were mainly [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] around farms, with few fortified camps like [[Étrun|Etrun]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=39}}</ref> The Roman invasion began in [[57 BC|57&nbsp;BC]], leading to significant battles, including a [[Battle of the Sabis|decisive one]] on the banks of the [[Sambre|Sabis]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=César |first=J. |date=1990 |title=Guerre des Gaules – Tome I, Livres I-IV |journal=Belles Lettres |language=fr |edition=13th |pages=23}}</ref> Despite initial resistance, by [[50 BC|50&nbsp;BC]], Gaul-Belgium was conquered and remained under military occupation until [[27 BC|27&nbsp;BC]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=42}}</ref>

==== ''Pax Romana'' ====
[[File:B-6511_Strée,_chaussée_Brunehault.JPG|thumb|Roman road from Bavay to Trier, one of the seven "Chaussée Brunehaut" radiating out from Bavay (Bagacum Nerviorum)]]
Following their victory, the Romans implemented policies of pacification and Romanization, transforming the region administratively and economically. They established numerous cities, incorporating ancient [[Celtic tribes]] into the prosperous Roman province of [[Belgium]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=César |first=J. |date=1990 |title=Idem |journal=Belles Lettres |language=fr |edition=13th |pages=124}}</ref> Key cities included Bagacum Nerviorum ([[Bavay]]), Namur ([[Atuatuca|Aduatuca]]), Castellum Menapiorum ([[Cassel, Nord|Cassel]]), Nemetocenna ([[Arras]]), and Tervanna ([[Thérouanne]]). The region flourished through agriculture, particularly sheep breeding and wheat cultivation, and the development of a sophisticated road network known as the "[[Chausée Brunehaut|Brunehaut causeways]]". This network facilitated trade within the empire, allowing for the import and export of various goods, including ceramics, pottery, wine, olive oil, linen cloth, and ham.<ref name=":2">{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|pp=63–64}}</ref> Vici (hamlets) emerged along these routes, and many modern communes in the [[Scarpe (river)|Scarpe]] and [[Escaut River|Escaut]] valleys trace their origins to [[Gallo-Roman culture|Gallo-Roman]] settlements.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|p=68}}</ref>

==== Decline and Barbarian Invasions ====
By the end of the 1st century, Germanic tribes began encroaching on the region, leading to periods of pillaging and instability. The [[Franks]] crossed the [[Rhine]] in 253–254 and again between 259 and 263, followed by the [[Alemanni|Alamanni]] in 275. During brief periods of peace, new capitals like [[Tournai]] and [[Cambrai]] emerged, replacing older ones such as [[Cassel, Nord|Cassel]] and [[Bavay]]. The region also saw the initial stages of [[Christianization]], although it remained limited until the [[3rd century BC|3rd]] and [[5th century|5th]] centuries. In 406, a frozen Rhine allowed a flood of barbarian groups, including the [[Franks]] and Germans driven by the [[Huns]], to invade, ultimately leading to the collapse of the remaining Roman authority in the region.

=== The Frankish kingdoms ===

==== Christianization in the Merovingian Period ====
[[File:Cartulaire_Marchiennes_abbaye.JPG|thumb|[[Marchiennes Abbey]] was founded around 630.]]
During the [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingian period]], the [[Salian Franks]] initially maintained their [[Paganism|pagan]] beliefs, unlike other Germanic tribes who converted to [[Arianism]]. [[Clovis I|Clovis]]'s conversion to [[Nicene Christianity]] was significant as it aligned with the remaining Roman Empire's religion, providing [[Divine right of kings|sacred legitimacy]]. This period saw a renewal of urbanization and the establishment of ecclesiastical authorities. [[Vedast|Vaast]] became bishop of [[Arras]] and [[Cambrai]] early in the century. By 511, however, the region was not sufficiently Christianized to be represented at the [[Council of Orléans|Council of Orleans]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Le Jan |first=Régine |date=2003 |title=La sacralité de la royauté mérovingienne |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-annales-2003-6-page-1217.htm |journal=Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales |volume=58 |issue=6 |language=fr |pages=1217–1241}}</ref>

==== Between Neustria and Austrasia ====
The [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingians]] did not have a concept of statehood; instead, fiefdoms were private domains.<ref name=":32">{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|p=45}}</ref> After Clovis's death, his kingdom was divided among his sons, leading to dynastic struggles, notably between queens [[Brunehaut]] and [[Frédégonde]]. Around 630&nbsp;AD, during [[Dagobert I|Dagobert]]'s reign, significant Christianization efforts began with the establishment of numerous monasteries, such as [[Marchiennes]], [[Monastery of Santa Clara|Condé]], and [[Maroilles, Nord|Maroilles]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Platelle |first=Henri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEaaJhUn-psC&pg=PA160 |title=Présence de l'au-delà : une vision médiévale du monde |date=2004 |pages=160 |publisher=Presses Univ. Septentrion |isbn=978-2-85939-852-1 |language=fr}}</ref> These monasteries, supported by the Frankish aristocracy, played crucial roles in land development and extending royal power.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=49–50}}</ref> Coastal areas saw less interest from the Franks, with the first bishop, [[Audomar]] (Saint Omer), arriving only in the [[6th century]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meriaux |first=Charles |date=2000 |title=Thérouanne et son diocèse jusqu'à la fin de l'époque carolingienne : les étapes de la christianisation d'après les sources écrites |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/bec_0373-6237_2000_num_158_2_451035 |journal=Bibliothèque de l'école des chartes |language=fr |volume=158 |issue=2 |pages=377–406|doi=10.3406/bec.2000.451035 }}</ref>

=== The Scheldt as a New Frontier ===

==== The Treaty of Verdun ====
The [[Treaty of Verdun]] in 843 divided [[Charlemagne|Charlemagne's]] empire into three kingdoms, establishing the [[Scheldt River]] as the natural boundary between [[West Francia]] and [[Middle Francia]]. This division split what is now the [[Nord (French department)|Nord département]] into two parts: one under what would become France and the other under the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. This new border marked a significant shift in territorial and political dynamics in the region.<ref name=":32"/>

==== Counties of Flanders, Cambrésis, and Hainaut ====
[[File:Ludwigslied_Manuscript_Valenciennes_p._1+2.jpg|thumb|''[[Sequence of Saint Eulalia]]'']]
In the early [[Middle Ages]], the [[Feudalism|feudal system]] shaped the region's political landscape. The [[County of Flanders]] emerged in the late [[9th century]] as a semi-autonomous entity with regular insubordination to the French King. Similarly, the [[County of Hainaut]] took shape by the mid-[[11th century]], with the [[Duchy of Brabant]] reflecting [[Flemish Region|Flemish]] traditions. The influence of the [[Catholic Church]] also grew, with the [[Erluin of Cambrai|Bishop]] of [[Cambrai]] becoming Count of [[Cambrésis]]. The importance of waterways led to the growth of towns such as [[Lille]] and [[Arras]], which gained privileges and self-governance, especially in the [[12th century]] when Arras became renowned for its cloth industry.<ref>{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|pp=27–28}}</ref>

==== The Battle of Bouvines ====
[[File:Béguinage_Saint-Vaast._Cambrai._Angle.JPG|thumb|Saint-Vaast beguinage in [[Cambrai]], created in the 14th century]]
In 1180, Isabelle de Hainaut's marriage to [[Philippe Auguste]] brought the Artois region to the French crown. The complex succession issues surrounding the [[County of Flanders]] led to a coalition against the King of France, involving the Emperor, the King of England, and the [[Count of Flanders]], Ferrand of [[Portugal]]. The decisive [[Battle of Bouvines]] in 1214 saw Philippe Auguste emerge victorious, enabling him to implement administrative reforms to consolidate royal power. These changes, along with the support of his successor [[Louis IX of France|Saint Louis]], allowed the French monarchy to exert influence over Flanders and Hainaut. The early [[13th century]] also saw significant religious expansion in these regions with the establishment of monasteries and [[Beguinage|beguinages]], fostering religious movements like Rheno-Flemish mysticism.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|pp=102–103}}</ref>

==== Hundred Years' War ====
[[File:Calais1347.jpg|thumb|The surrender of [[Siege of Calais (1346–1347)|Calais]] in 1347, [[Froissart's Chronicles]]]]
{{Main article|Hundred Years' War}}
The 14th century brought the crisis of the [[late Middle Ages]] and rising tensions between France and England, particularly over [[Flanders]], [[Guyenne]], and [[Scotland]]. The [[Count of Flanders]], though serving the French King, had economic ties with England, while the [[Count of Hainaut]] aligned with the Emperor, an English ally. [[Edward III of England|Edward&nbsp;III]]'s campaign in 1346 led to the protracted siege of Calais. The [[Hundred Years' War]], while destructive, was overshadowed by devastating epidemics like the [[Black Death]], which struck southern [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] in 1316, killing a third of the population, and reoccurred several times, including a severe outbreak in [[Calais]] in 1348.

=== From the Revolution to the First Empire ===

==== Context in 1789 ====
Northern France, described by [[Jean-Clément Martin]] as the "aborted [[Vendée]]", was notably hostile to the [[French Revolution]]. The local peasants, deeply affected by the king's execution in January 1793, resisted the new revolutionary order. [[Tree of Liberty (symbol)|Liberty trees]] were cut down in the [[Cambrai]] district, and [[Parish|parishioners]] refused sacraments from constitutional priests. In villages like [[Morbecque]], peasants rebelled against conscription and faced persecution by the republican authorities.<ref>{{Cite book |title=La Guerre de Vendée, 1793–1800 |publisher=Points-Seuil |year=2014 |isbn=978-2-7578-3656-9 |pages=51 |language=fr}}</ref>

==== The Creation of the Nord and Pas-de-Calais Départements ====
On September 29, 1789, the Constituent Assembly decided to reorganize [[France]] into departments of approximately 324 square leagues each. The northern provinces were to form four departments, but various projects clashed. Ultimately, the National Assembly decided in 1790 to create the [[Nord (French department)|Nord]] and [[Pas-de-Calais]] departments. [[Douai]] was initially chosen as the prefecture of Nord due to [[Philippe-Antoine Merlin de Douai|Merlin de Douai]]'s influence, but it was later moved to [[Lille]] by the [[French Consulate|First Consul]] on 3 [[Thermidor]] IX. The Nord department consisted of eight districts: [[Bergues]], [[Hazebrouck]], [[Lille]], [[Douai]], [[Cambrai|Cambray]], [[Valenciennes]], [[Le Quesnoy]], and [[Avesnes]], while [[Pas-de-Calais]] comprised [[Arras]], [[Bapaume]], [[Béthune]], [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]], [[Calais]], [[Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis|Montreuil]], [[Saint-Omer]], and [[Saint-Pol-de-Léon|Saint-Pol]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=260–264}}</ref>

==== Franco-Austrian War and the First Empire ====
[[File:Siège_de_Lille_1792.JPG|thumb|[[Siege of Lille (1792)|Siege of Lille]] in 1792]]
The [[French Revolutionary Wars|Franco-Austrian War]] saw Northern France as a significant battleground following the [[Brabant Revolution|Brabant]] and [[Liège Revolution|Liège]] revolutions. France declared war on [[Austria]] in April 1792, leading to the destruction of cities like [[Lille]], [[Dunkirk]], and [[Valenciennes]]. Austrian armies occupied French [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] from 1793 to 1794 until the [[French Revolutionary Army|French revolutionary army]] conquered the region and annexed Belgium. The Terror further devastated the area, dismantling structures like the [[Saint-Amand Abbey]] and depriving [[Cambrai]] of its [[Cambrai Cathedral|cathedral]] and [[Gothic architecture|Gothic churches]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=268–274}}</ref> Under [[Napoleon]], the [[Nord (French department)|Nord department]] made substantial efforts to rebuild and unify administratively and socially. However, after Napoleon's defeat at the [[Battle of Waterloo]] in 1815, the region was occupied by British troops until November 1818.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=258–260}}</ref>

=== The industrial revolution ===

==== The economic boom ====
[[File:Flers-en-Escrebieux_-_Fosse_n°_3_des_mines_de_l'Escarpelle_(E).jpg|thumb|No. 3 pit of the Escarpelle mines]]
In the early 19th century, Northern France experienced significant economic development, propelled into the [[Industrial Revolution]] by several key factors. [[Continental System|Napoleon's continental blockade]] against the [[United Kingdom]] forced the region to produce goods locally that had previously been imported, fostering the birth of industries such as sugar production. The introduction of British [[Steam engine|steam engines]] into spinning mills also accelerated production. Central areas rich in coal, from [[Béthune]] to [[Valenciennes]], became crucial energy sources, further boosted by the [[Protectionism|protectionist]] policies of the [[Bourbon Restoration in France|Restoration era]] after [[Belgian Revolution|Belgium's emergence]] in 1830.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=203}}</ref>

==== The Working Class ====
While the industrial boom turned Northern France into an economic powerhouse for over a century, it brought severe hardships for the working class. Miners, as depicted in [[Émile Zola]]'s "[[Germinal (novel)|Germinal]]", faced grueling conditions and meager wages, risking their health underground. Textile workers also endured harsh conditions.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=252}}</ref> The [[19th century]] added to their suffering with extreme weather events and five cholera epidemics between 1832 and 1866, the last of which claimed 10,584 lives in the Nord département alone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006 |title=1866, une épidémie de choléra dans le Nord |url=http://histoiresdunord.blogspot.com/2006/03/1866-une-pidmie-de-cholra-dans-le-nord.html |website=Histoire du Nord; source : annuaire statistique du département du Nord |language=fr}}</ref>[[File:Avion-glissoires7.jpg|thumb|[[Lens, Pas-de-Calais|Lens]]]]

===World War I===
When the [[First World War]] started, the region became a strategic target for the [[Allies of World War I|Allies]] and the [[Central Powers]], mostly because of the coal and mining resources. When the [[Germany|German]] troops launched their [[Schlieffen Plan|attack from Belgium]], the region was one of the first to fall under German occupation. Nevertheless, when the Allies stopped Germany at the [[First Battle of the Marne|Battle of Marne]], the front moved back to the area and stabilized near [[Arras]].
During the next four years, the region was split in two: the German holding the [[French Flanders]] and [[Cambrai]] area, the Allied controlling Arras and the Area of Lens. Nevertheless, the combat did not stop, each side wanting the total control of the area.
[[File:Vimy Memorial (September 2010) cropped.jpg|thumb|[[Canadian National Vimy Memorial]] near Arras]]

The Nord-pas-de-Calais was one of the main theaters of the conflict, with many battles occurring between 1914 and 1918, including the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]] assault during the [[Battle of Arras (1917)]], the [[Third Battle of Artois|Battle of Artois]], [[Battle of Loos]], and the [[Battle of Cambrai (1918)|Battle of Cambrai]]. By the time the region was finally liberated by the [[Canadian Expeditionary Force|Canadian Expeditionary Forces]], the entire country was devastated, and [[Arras]] had been 90% destroyed. Currently, there are 650 military cemeteries throughout the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, mostly British and Canadian, as well as large memorials such as the [[Canadian National Vimy Memorial]] and [[Notre Dame de Lorette]], the world's largest French military cemetery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greatwar.co.uk/french-flanders-artois/memorial-canadian-national-vimy-memorial.htm |title=Canadian National Vimy Memorial, France |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2015 |website=The Great War UK |access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref>

=== Between the wars ===
After the war, the industrial region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais was devastated, and in 1919 was classified as a [[Zone rouge|red]] or yellow zone for around two-thirds of its surface area.

The reconstruction movement made massive use of immigration, particularly from [[Poland]], to compensate for the decline in population due to the war, and to adapt to the new legislation limiting the working day to eight hours. But the economic crisis of the 1930s soon prevented any real economic or cultural renaissance. It also led to downsizing, with recent immigrants the first to be affected.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=311}}</ref>

The region saw a breakthrough of the extreme right, including the "green shirts" among the peasants,<ref name=":4">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=312}}</ref> which prompted Le-Nord-Pas-de-Calais to unite. When the [[Popular Front (France)|Front Populaire]] came to power in France in 1936, three deputies from the Nord were in government, including [[Roger Salengro]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=314}}</ref> Factories went on strike en masse during the [[Matignon Accords (1936)|Matignon Accords]].<ref name=":4" />

===World War II===

During the [[occupation of France]], it was attached to the [[Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France]], ruled from the [[Wehrmacht]] ''kommandantur'' in [[Brussels]]. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region was used for [[vengeance weapon]] installations, including extensive [[V-1 flying bomb (facilities)|V-1 "ski sites"]] that launched attacks on England and massive [[bunker]]s for the [[V-2 rocket]] and [[V-3 cannon#Mimoyecques site|V-3 cannon]]. [[Operation Crossbow]] counteroffensive bombing by the Allies devastated many of the region's towns.  Although most of the region was liberated in September 1944, [[Dunkirk]] was the last Franco Nord-Pas-de-Calais German occupation (on 9 May 1945).

===Postwar period===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1em"
|-
!colspan=4|Presidents of Nord-Pas-de-Calais
|-
!width=150 style="text-align:left;"|President
!width=45 colspan=2 |Party
!width=85 style="text-align:left;"|Term
|- 
|[[Pierre Mauroy]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;"|
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1974–1981
|- 
|[[Noël Josèphe]]
|style="background-color:#FFCCCC;"|
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1981–1992
|- 
|[[Marie-Christine Blandin]]
| style="background-color:#77DD77;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[The Greens (France)|Green]]
|1992–1998
|- 
|[[Michel Delebarre]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1998–2001
|- 
|[[Daniel Percheron]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|2001–
|}
Since the war, the region has suffered from severe economic difficulties (see Economy below) but has benefited from the opening of the [[Channel Tunnel]] and the growth in cross-Channel traffic in general.

=== The Post-War Effort and Economic Expansion ===
Following [[World War II]], France embarked on a significant recovery effort termed "Union sacrée", aiming to rebuild the nation under a managed economy. [[Charles de Gaulle|General de Gaulle]]'s speech in Lille emphasized the state's role in national economic development.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=334}}</ref> In 1946, the nationalization of companies in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region led to the formation of Houillères du Nord-Pas-de-Calais, with miners receiving special privileges. The steel industry also expanded, benefiting from modernization efforts funded by the [[Marshall Plan]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Berger |first=Françoise |date=2007 |title=Éléments sur la crise de la sidérurgie en vue d'une approche comparative. Le cas du Nord-Pas-de-Calais et du groupe Usinor |url=https://shs.hal.science/file/index/docid/147282/filename/FB_RevueNord2006-.pdf |journal=Revue du Nord, Histoire & Archéologie |language=fr |issue=21 |pages=43–57}}</ref>

=== Economic Reconstruction and Television ===
By the early 1950s, Nord-Pas-de-Calais had regained its industrial strength, primarily in traditional sectors like [[textile]]s, [[coal]], and [[steel]], which were starting to decline.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=339}}</ref> This period also marked the advent of regional television with the creation of Télé-Lille in 1950, the first regional television station in France. Despite technological advancements, the region faced economic challenges due to a lack of [[Diversification (finance)|diversification]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bluteau |first=Marcel |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |pages=85 |language=fr |chapter=Les cinq premières minutes de la télé régionale}}</ref>

=== Algerian War and Social Tensions ===
The [[Algerian War]] in the mid-20th century significantly impacted the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, home to a large population of Algerian immigrants. This led to social tensions and conflicts between French and Algerian communities, exacerbated by internal strife among Algerians supporting different nationalist movements. The war's impact was felt through numerous violent incidents, including attacks and street shootings, resulting in significant casualties and social unrest.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Genty |first=Jean-René |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |pages=14–15 |language=fr |chapter=L'autre guerre d'Algérie ensanglante la terre nordiste}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Vouters |first=Bruno |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |edition=4th |pages=4 |language=fr |chapter=Un pied dans le futur, un autre dans l'ancien temps}}</ref>

=== Industrial Decline and Economic Transition ===
From the 1950s to the 1980s, Nord-Pas-de-Calais experienced a gradual decline in coal mining, textiles, and steel industries, resulting in substantial job losses.<ref name=":52">{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|p=55}}</ref> The government attempted to revitalize the region's economy by promoting the [[automotive industry]] and attracting plastics companies, which created new employment opportunities.<ref name=":52"/> Despite these efforts, the transition highlighted the challenges of shifting from traditional industries to more diversified economic activities.<ref>{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|p=57}}</ref>